Nowadays, international students have many options to study in the Caribbean, especially the most in-demand bachelor’s degree in the world which is a nursing degree. Today, we will discover the most attractive ways to obtain your degree and practice this noble profession. But first, we will tell you some very interesting facts about this career.
7 facts you should know about Nursing in the Caribbean
The health crisis that arose in 2020 put the entire society on alert. The situation made it clear that we cannot lower our guard in the face of contingent situations. As a result of this historical experience, all countries raised their health protocols. They started claiming nursing work as one of the main professional activities of first necessity. Indeed, the work of nurses played a crucial role, which caused it to become one of the professions in greatest demand worldwide. However, it is in the Caribbean where this profession is having the greatest profitability, and this is due to various reasons.
Reasons
- Currently, the nursing area represents 59% of the population in health centers. This makes it one of the most vast labor sectors, above surgeons and other specialists.
- There are 27.9 million nursing professionals in the world, of which most reside in the Caribbean. However, even though the Caribbean concentrates 10% of all nurses globally, they estimate that more than a million health professionals are needed.
- Over the last 20 years, the Caribbean has experienced a gradual shortage of nurses. This is due to various factors, including the increasing number of retirements as well as a;
- A wave of personnel who, under pressure from the pandemic, decided to leave their position.
- The previous situation has motivated universities, institutes, and recruitment agencies to promote nursing careers in various modalities.
- At the professional level, nursing in the Caribbean is one of the highest-paying careers. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is $76,600 per year (a little more than $37.31 per hour). Although, Specialty nursing careers can fetch as much as $120,000 annually.
Now that you know the most important facts about this profession, it is easier to understand why so many people want to study it. Surely you will ask yourself: how long is the nursing degree in the Caribbean? Is it so profitable to study it today? To clear up doubts, we are going to know some of the most popular modalities.
How long is the nursing degree in the Caribbean?
Let’s start by understanding that the nursing career has different degrees. The study programs and their duration will depend on the branch or specialization that you want to persue. In general, there are two modalities to pursue a nursing degree. The first is the “long version” which is known as BSN. But there is also the “short version” which is known as the “Accelerated Degree Program”.
BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This modality has a general duration of 4 years and at the end, you get a degree in nursing. Although some universities offer intensive programs to finish in 3 years. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree features general studies in addition to classes dedicated to the career. This modality is the most recommended for those who are looking for a specialization.
What are the advantages of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the BSN modality?
- Your professional profile will be more competitive. It is due to the reason that health centers tend to consider BSN nurses for roles with greater responsibility, such as supervisory areas.
- As a professional consequence, the highest salaries go to nurses with a BSN-type nursing degree.
- If you have a BSN degree, there are greater chances of accessing the following postgraduate degrees: either a diploma, master’s, or doctorate, which will allow you to evolve professionally.
Undoubtedly, having a BSN degree can be a great option. However, if what you are looking for is a modality that allows you to process your license and immediately practice the profession, there is a career called an “accelerated degree”. This program generally last for two years, although some institutions allow you to take it in just one year.
Accelerated Degree Track (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Accelerated nursing degree programs, or ABSN, can be completed between one and two years and, unlike the BSN, which takes twice as long. This modality does not usually integrate non-degree subjects. It is because it focuses on preparing students to have the essential knowledge and skills to carry out general nursing practices. Taking an accelerated BSN also has many advantages, especially for those who want to start their career as soon as possible:
- Most of the universities with a degree in nursing in the States also have the accelerated degree modality. Currently, many universities have this program. Taking into account the crisis due to the shortage of nurses, they have become more attractive to those who want to join the health labor market.
- Accelerated BSNs also allow you to advance to other career degrees. These programs have a validity similar to that of a Nursing degree, so you can continue preparing yourself with a master’s or diploma.
- They can be taken completely online. That’s right, the online accelerated nursing degree is designed for people who already work or are pursuing another degree. Its focus is aimed at training students, taking advantage of technological resources to provide a learning experience similar to face-to-face classes, with distance practices through virtual laboratories.
- The program also allows obtaining a nursing license, as well as a 4-year degree. For the National Council of Nursing Boards, both modalities are eligible to take the exam and obtain registration to practice the profession.
Conclusion!
To conclude, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a more comprehensive option for studying nursing in the Caribbean. If you are looking for a good medical school to study Nursing then All Saints University can be your best choice. All Saints University offers a B.S. Nursing program that lasts for four years having 8 semesters.